Hood / roof paint fading

I know the truck is old. Original paint . There is clouded look on the roof and hood sure if it’s the clear coat fade or something under the clear coat . I tried buffing,sanding, compound . But, only making the clear coat shines . I am starting to to see the base coat paint coming out. Any ideas…..try many different things with no change. Picture is not greatest but, you get the point…..thanks guys

 

My 2013 is doing this but worse, if it’s what I think is happening that is. It’s Hard to judge by your photos, but I believe your clear coat is flaking off or has separated from base coat which will in turn lead to flaking/pealing off. I wouldn’t do any more rubbing up there, of any sort. The only thing I do to my hood and roof is spray down with a hose as any sort of wiping, even with a wet soapy microfiber, only makes things worse. Repainting is most likely your only option, which I what I’m going to do in time.

 

Yes, you’re right it’s under the clear coat. The best thing to do is sand off the old clear coat and respray the base coat. Need to find a body shop willing to do it. Many won’t …..thanks

 

Common clearcoat failure.

There are options, depending on your desired result and what you want to do with the truck.

High-ish end professional repaint. $$$$

Budget repaint (Macco, etc., ok for a couple years) $$

Smooth up the existing surface and wrap it. $$$ for a pro, bit less if you prep and they apply

Smooth up the existing surface and treat it to something like www.monstaliner.com. $

Let it go till it gets rusty, clean it good, spray with clear coat and join the 'patina crowd'.

 

My 08 is beginning to show the same thing. It's the clear coat failing, and there's no way to save it that I know of. IMO the only options are leave it alone, repaint, or do a vinyl wrap.

 

Your truck is 20 years old. Paint and clear coat only lasts so long and yours is done. As above, paint it, or wrap it or let er rust.

 

When I've bought used cars in the past I always state with utmost urgency please . . . PLEASE do not buff it out. It seems they think grinding off all the clear coat from the hood makes for a more impressive sale. A lot of people don't understand what buffing does and what the end result will be. </rant>

What I've done in the past, and it's not the best solution, is lightly scuff up the area with 600 or 400 (careful not to remove any base color) and shoot a new clear coat over it. Any good topcoat with an accelerator will minimize orange peel and the finish work you'll have to do. For large areas I drag out the painting equipment and compressor, for small areas a shot of Rustoleum clear coat is better than nothing at all.

Disclaimer: any spraying, even small jobs from a spray can gets everywhere, including your neighbor's cars if you're outside. I usually build a temporary spray booth inside the garage with lots of plastic walls, but have been forced into outside painting so did it under an awning and draped the plastic down so it also contained the overspray. Don't think you don't need a real painting mask, paper throw on's are not sufficient, you only have one set of lungs.

 

Bill, are you saying to put a vinyl wrap on just the roof or damaged portion? My roof is fading but just in the area above the windshield. It's not bad now, but I just want to make sure I dont wait until it gets too far to do something about it. Thanks!

 

You could do that.

What most folks miss about a wrap is that to look it's best, surface prep is almost like for painting. The wrap is thin enough that surface flaws will show through.

Depending on the color of your vehicle and if you like two tone finishes you could be creative. Or if the truck has been and will continue to be bumped and bruised, a product like www monstaliner.com is a robust wearing choice you can DIY